Connecticut Routes 85-89

37.38 miles; from US 6 and us 44 in Bolton to US 1 in New London. Route 85 is 4 lanes between I-95 and I-395 in Waterford; the portion of that near Crystal Mall is also divided.

Route 85 was commissioned in 1932 from the old SH 102 (New London to Colchester) and SH 366 (Hebron to Bolton). The portion south of Colchester follows the 19th-century New London Turnpike road.

Route 85's north end has flipped a few times. It originally entered Manchester along Camp Meeting Road (SR 534) to end at Route 83 (or somewhere short of there). According to state highway maps, it was shifted north to meet US 6 and 44 in Bolton (near today's terminus, if not at it). In 1954, it was shifted back to Camp Meeting Road.

On Mar. 29, 1963, it was moved for the last time to its current route. It took over former SR 807 (Clark Road and Bolton Center Road) to US 6/44, and Camp Meeting Road became SR 534.

Even after that, the northbound Route 85 mainline followed SR 534 toward Manchester; to continue on 85 was a right turn. Around 2000 this intersection was rebuilt into a conventional T-intersection.

A 1931 study by the Traffic Section Department of Motor Vehicles called for a traffic circle at the Salem intersection with Route 82, but this never came about.

Proposed Freeway becomes Route 11

Statewide plans in the 1950s included a freeway connecting Hartford and New London, using Routes 2 and 85. The Route 85 freeway would extend from Route 2 in Colchester to US 1 in Waterford.

Part of this road was built in 1972, from Route 2 in Colchester to Route 82 in Salem. In July 1971, however, the DOT had announced that in order to minimize motorist confusion and signing costs, the old Route 85 would keep its number. The new Route freeway opened as Route 11, and there's much more history on the Route 11 page.

In 1956, Route 85 was reconstructed in the Gilead area of Hebron. Salt Box Road and Prentice Hill Road are old alignments of the route.

In 1984, Route 85 was widened to four lanes with a median near the newly opened Crystal Mall in Waterford.

Finishing Route 11

Increased traffic in the southeast has prompted plans that include widening Route 85 to six lanes between Salem (the end of Route 11) and New London; however, the state and local residents are pushing for the completion of Route 11 instead.

Route 85 is heavily commercialized in the area between I-95 and I-395 in Waterford, with growing congestion and high speeds.

Spot improvements to Route 85

As a new expressway will not be ready until about ~~2010~~ 20-something, the state has pursued small safety and capacity improvements along Route 85, including:

climbing lane between Forsyth Road and Horse Pond, Salem, and near Turner Road, Montville
additional thru lanes at Grassy Hill Road and Route 161
wider shoulders
widening and a raised divider at Route 82

Route 85 is the only state route to intersect both I-384 and I-395.

Extend northward along SR 533 and SR 527 to the Route 83/74 split in north Rockville. At least one map typo has inadvertently supported this idea.

"It's a road built in the 1800s and has 13 stoplights."

Jane Dauphinais, district director for U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, R-2nd District, explaining why Route 85 would not serve as well as a completed Route 11 for emergency evacuation purposes

"Routes Changed on State Roads." Hartford Courant, Mar. 1, 1963.
"Heart Fund Nets $425 in Drive." Hartford Courant, Mar. 26, 1963. (SR 807 to CT 85)
"Agency reports new Rt. 85 to get Rt. 11 designation." Hartford Courant, July 22, 1971.
"Transportation board to tackle state's traffic woes." Hartford Courant, Nov. 2, 2001.
"Extensive work designed to improve safety of Route 85." The Day [New London, Conn.], May 17, 2002.
"Making Route 85 safer." Editorial, The Day [New London, Conn.], May 20, 2002.
Adams, Thomas. "The Buell Farm in Gilead CT." http://www.rockvillemama.com/buellfarm.htm (30 August 2003)
"Speed Alley in Waterford." The Day [New London, Conn.], Dec. 1, 2003.

No longer assigned. This was the original number for the 8.5-mile north-south portion of Route 156 from Route 82 to US 1. Route 86 was commissioned in 1932 from the old SH 150; in 1951, it become part of 156. This predates any plan of I-86, so while it looks like Route 86 got renumbered for the same reason as old routes 84, 91, and 95, this isn't the case.

From 1969 to 1983, Interstate 84 from East Hartford to the Mass. Pike was numbered I-86.

16.62 miles; Jonathan Trumbull Highway; southeast from US 6 in Andover to Route 32 in Bozrah.

Commissioned in 1932, Route 87 originally extended to Bolton Notch along today's US 6, while US 6 followed a northerly route using today's Route 31. In 1934, the road from Bolton Notch to Andover became part of US 6A, and Route 87's northern end was cut back to where it is now.

The Trumbull Highway in 1935 followed today's US 44, US 6, Route 87, and Route 2 from the New York border to the Rhode Island border: over 100 miles. But today, the only traces are the street names for US 6 and Route 87 in Andover and Columbia.

I-87 nearly forces renumbering

Route 87 enjoys a bit of history unique to the state's highways: it almost lost its number to an interstate highway, but got a reprieve when the interstate changed its number instead.

In Connecticut, no two highways can share the same number: for example, when I-91 was created, old state route 91 had to be renumbered. On October 30, 1968, a section of I-87 cutting through a corner of Greenwich opened, meaning Route 87 would have to be renumbered.

In May 1969, the state informed towns along the route that as of July 31, Route 87's designation would be changed to Route 287. (Using a "rhyming" number for changes was a common practice, and today's Route 287 in Wethersfield did not yet exist.)

However, officials in New York announced their intent to move the I-87 designation to the New York State Thruway, and give the segment affecting Connecticut a new number: I-684. If that were approved, Connecticut's Route 87 would be spared. In August 1969, the Connecticut DOT said the CT 87 to CT 287 change was on hold pending the outcome of the New York plan.

In 1970, the I-87 leg was renumbered to I-684. On Feb. 1, 1970, ConnDOT announced that CT 87 would keep its number.

Old Alignments

There's a short street in Franklin called "Old Route 87," suggesting a slight rerouting, but I don't have further information.

Scenic Route Advocacy

In late 2003, the Columbia Conservation Commission was working to have Route 87 nominated as a scenic road. This would help protect the road from widening efforts. The process, which starts with public discussions in town, would take several months, including a possible formal application to the state the following spring.

State of Connecticut, Department of Highways. Official State Highway Map, 1935.
"Roger Ierardi named resident state trooper." The Hartford Courant, May 1, 1969.
"Action delayed on State Rt. 87 name change." The Hartford Courant, Aug. 8, 1969.
"Rt. 87 to keep number." The Hartford Courant, Feb. 18, 1970.
"Columbia selectmen deal with roads." Willimantic Chronicle, Sept. 19, 2003.

16.25 miles; from Route 195 in Mansfield to Route 190 in Union. Route 89 is the only two-digit state route that terminates at a three-digit state route on both ends.

Route 89 dates back to 1932. Its original path, from south to north:

Today's Route 289, leading from Route 87 in Lebanon to Route 32 in Windham
Overlap with Route 32 and Route 66 leading to the Route 195 junction
Today's Route 195, from Route 66 to Route 89
Today's Route 89, from Route 195 to Turnpike Road, Westford
Waterfall Road and Hillside Road to Ferrence Road
Today's Route 89 to its end at Route 190

In 1942, Route 89 was relocated in Ashford and Union to Ferrence Road, where it is located today.

On Dec. 1, 1964, Route 89's south end was moved from Lebanon to Mansfield. Former Route 89 from Route 87 to Route 32 became the new Route 289. Former Route 89 from Route 66 to its modern terminus became part of Route 195.

I'm guessing this was done to provide a more direct route to the University of Connecticut from US 6. The Hartford Courant article announcing the change reads: "State highway officials could not be contacted to determine the reason for the change Monday night." And the story was not followed up.

Though it is lightly traveled throughout, Route 89 may see more traffic from future development near the I-84 interchange in Ashford. The Windham Regional Planning Agency says "Route 89 in particular will require realignment within the next decade if traffic volumes increase as projected."

In general, I like longer, continuous routes (like the old 89) and number clustering like (87/89 in Lebanon). Therefore, I like Route 89 better the way it was.

"Highway numbering reassigned." The Hartford Courant, Dec. 8, 1964.
"Regional Transportation Plan for the Windham Region / 2001 Update." Windham Regional Council of Governments, August 29, 2001.

Route 89 Ends (Photos; Doug Kerr at state-ends.com)

Home > Roads > Connecticut > Routes 85-89

Updated Aug 28, 2006

Markers in the left margin for present-day routes are courtesy of Barry L. Camp.

This site is not affiliated with the State of Connecticut or the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Route 88 has never existed.
	37.38 miles; from US 6 and us 44 in Bolton to US 1 in New London. Route 85 is 4 lanes between I-95 and I-395 in Waterford; the portion of that near Crystal Mall is also divided.
	Route 85 was commissioned in 1932 from the old SH 102 (New London to Colchester) and SH 366 (Hebron to Bolton). The portion south of Colchester follows the 19th-century New London Turnpike road. Route 85's north end has flipped a few times. It originally entered Manchester along Camp Meeting Road (SR 534) to end at Route 83 (or somewhere short of there). According to state highway maps, it was shifted north to meet US 6 and 44 in Bolton (near today's terminus, if not at it). In 1954, it was shifted back to Camp Meeting Road. On Mar. 29, 1963, it was moved for the last time to its current route. It took over former SR 807 (Clark Road and Bolton Center Road) to US 6/44, and Camp Meeting Road became SR 534. Even after that, the northbound Route 85 mainline followed SR 534 toward Manchester; to continue on 85 was a right turn. Around 2000 this intersection was rebuilt into a conventional T-intersection. A 1931 study by the Traffic Section Department of Motor Vehicles called for a traffic circle at the Salem intersection with Route 82, but this never came about. Proposed Freeway becomes Route 11 Statewide plans in the 1950s included a freeway connecting Hartford and New London, using Routes 2 and 85. The Route 85 freeway would extend from Route 2 in Colchester to US 1 in Waterford. Part of this road was built in 1972, from Route 2 in Colchester to Route 82 in Salem. In July 1971, however, the DOT had announced that in order to minimize motorist confusion and signing costs, the old Route 85 would keep its number. The new Route freeway opened as Route 11, and there's much more history on the Route 11 page. In 1956, Route 85 was reconstructed in the Gilead area of Hebron. Salt Box Road and Prentice Hill Road are old alignments of the route. In 1984, Route 85 was widened to four lanes with a median near the newly opened Crystal Mall in Waterford.
	Finishing Route 11 Increased traffic in the southeast has prompted plans that include widening Route 85 to six lanes between Salem (the end of Route 11) and New London; however, the state and local residents are pushing for the completion of Route 11 instead. Route 85 is heavily commercialized in the area between I-95 and I-395 in Waterford, with growing congestion and high speeds. Spot improvements to Route 85 As a new expressway will not be ready until about ~~2010~~ 20-something, the state has pursued small safety and capacity improvements along Route 85, including: climbing lane between Forsyth Road and Horse Pond, Salem, and near Turner Road, Montville additional thru lanes at Grassy Hill Road and Route 161 wider shoulders widening and a raised divider at Route 82
	Route 85 is the only state route to intersect both I-384 and I-395.
	Extend northward along SR 533 and SR 527 to the Route 83/74 split in north Rockville. At least one map typo has inadvertently supported this idea.
	"It's a road built in the 1800s and has 13 stoplights." Jane Dauphinais, district director for U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, R-2nd District, explaining why Route 85 would not serve as well as a completed Route 11 for emergency evacuation purposes
	"Routes Changed on State Roads." Hartford Courant, Mar. 1, 1963. "Heart Fund Nets $425 in Drive." Hartford Courant, Mar. 26, 1963. (SR 807 to CT 85) "Agency reports new Rt. 85 to get Rt. 11 designation." Hartford Courant, July 22, 1971. "Transportation board to tackle state's traffic woes." Hartford Courant, Nov. 2, 2001. "Extensive work designed to improve safety of Route 85." The Day [New London, Conn.], May 17, 2002. "Making Route 85 safer." Editorial, The Day [New London, Conn.], May 20, 2002. Adams, Thomas. "The Buell Farm in Gilead CT." http://www.rockvillemama.com/buellfarm.htm (30 August 2003) "Speed Alley in Waterford." The Day [New London, Conn.], Dec. 1, 2003.

	No longer assigned. This was the original number for the 8.5-mile north-south portion of Route 156 from Route 82 to US 1. Route 86 was commissioned in 1932 from the old SH 150; in 1951, it become part of 156. This predates any plan of I-86, so while it looks like Route 86 got renumbered for the same reason as old routes 84, 91, and 95, this isn't the case. From 1969 to 1983, Interstate 84 from East Hartford to the Mass. Pike was numbered I-86.

	16.62 miles; Jonathan Trumbull Highway; southeast from US 6 in Andover to Route 32 in Bozrah.
	Commissioned in 1932, Route 87 originally extended to Bolton Notch along today's US 6, while US 6 followed a northerly route using today's Route 31. In 1934, the road from Bolton Notch to Andover became part of US 6A, and Route 87's northern end was cut back to where it is now. The Trumbull Highway in 1935 followed today's US 44, US 6, Route 87, and Route 2 from the New York border to the Rhode Island border: over 100 miles. But today, the only traces are the street names for US 6 and Route 87 in Andover and Columbia. I-87 nearly forces renumbering Route 87 enjoys a bit of history unique to the state's highways: it almost lost its number to an interstate highway, but got a reprieve when the interstate changed its number instead. In Connecticut, no two highways can share the same number: for example, when I-91 was created, old state route 91 had to be renumbered. On October 30, 1968, a section of I-87 cutting through a corner of Greenwich opened, meaning Route 87 would have to be renumbered. In May 1969, the state informed towns along the route that as of July 31, Route 87's designation would be changed to Route 287. (Using a "rhyming" number for changes was a common practice, and today's Route 287 in Wethersfield did not yet exist.) However, officials in New York announced their intent to move the I-87 designation to the New York State Thruway, and give the segment affecting Connecticut a new number: I-684. If that were approved, Connecticut's Route 87 would be spared. In August 1969, the Connecticut DOT said the CT 87 to CT 287 change was on hold pending the outcome of the New York plan. In 1970, the I-87 leg was renumbered to I-684. On Feb. 1, 1970, ConnDOT announced that CT 87 would keep its number. Old Alignments There's a short street in Franklin called "Old Route 87," suggesting a slight rerouting, but I don't have further information. Scenic Route Advocacy In late 2003, the Columbia Conservation Commission was working to have Route 87 nominated as a scenic road. This would help protect the road from widening efforts. The process, which starts with public discussions in town, would take several months, including a possible formal application to the state the following spring.
	State of Connecticut, Department of Highways. Official State Highway Map, 1935. "Roger Ierardi named resident state trooper." The Hartford Courant, May 1, 1969. "Action delayed on State Rt. 87 name change." The Hartford Courant, Aug. 8, 1969. "Rt. 87 to keep number." The Hartford Courant, Feb. 18, 1970. "Columbia selectmen deal with roads." Willimantic Chronicle, Sept. 19, 2003.
	I-87, I-684

	16.25 miles; from Route 195 in Mansfield to Route 190 in Union. Route 89 is the only two-digit state route that terminates at a three-digit state route on both ends.
	Route 89 dates back to 1932. Its original path, from south to north: Today's Route 289, leading from Route 87 in Lebanon to Route 32 in Windham Overlap with Route 32 and Route 66 leading to the Route 195 junction Today's Route 195, from Route 66 to Route 89 Today's Route 89, from Route 195 to Turnpike Road, Westford Waterfall Road and Hillside Road to Ferrence Road Today's Route 89 to its end at Route 190 In 1942, Route 89 was relocated in Ashford and Union to Ferrence Road, where it is located today. On Dec. 1, 1964, Route 89's south end was moved from Lebanon to Mansfield. Former Route 89 from Route 87 to Route 32 became the new Route 289. Former Route 89 from Route 66 to its modern terminus became part of Route 195. I'm guessing this was done to provide a more direct route to the University of Connecticut from US 6. The Hartford Courant article announcing the change reads: "State highway officials could not be contacted to determine the reason for the change Monday night." And the story was not followed up.
	Though it is lightly traveled throughout, Route 89 may see more traffic from future development near the I-84 interchange in Ashford. The Windham Regional Planning Agency says "Route 89 in particular will require realignment within the next decade if traffic volumes increase as projected."
	In general, I like longer, continuous routes (like the old 89) and number clustering like (87/89 in Lebanon). Therefore, I like Route 89 better the way it was.
	"Highway numbering reassigned." The Hartford Courant, Dec. 8, 1964. "Regional Transportation Plan for the Windham Region / 2001 Update." Windham Regional Council of Governments, August 29, 2001.
	Route 89 Ends (Photos; Doug Kerr at state-ends.com)